Program Spotlight

Barcelona is home to more World Heritage sites than any other city in Europe. You will
witness 2,000 years of architectural and cultural splendor. The numerous museums,
churches, cathedrals, concert halls, modern art, and the influential architecture make
Barcelona an aesthetically appealing destination for visitors from all over the world.

Intern Abroad Countries

Program Spotlight

Take courses in English and Spanish and enjoy the 2,000 years of
architectural and cultural splendor that
Barcelona has to offer. You’ll study on the beautiful new campus of this
internationally known university.

Why CISabroad

All-inclusive price. From your camera equipment to the gallery where you’ll display your work, from your in-country travel to many of your meals, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to study photography, we’ve got the program for you. On the Summer Photography in Australia - Edge of the Outback program, take a photographic journey through the Australian outback while developing your digital and analog photography skills.

We can’t wait for you to get into the outback! You will discover that Australia offers a beautiful landscape for you to photograph. We are so excited for you!

Program

Our Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback study abroad program starts off down in Melbourne, then moves on to a regional campus in Mildura, a small city in northwestern Victoria Province. At the Mildura campus, you will learn the fundamental photographic techniques and then head into the outback for a 5-day exploration of this region’s ancient landscapes. On this program, you’ll get to:

Travel off the beaten track – Experience an Australia that few visitors, and for that matter few Australians, really know.

Develop your photography skills - If you're new to photography, you'll get a great taste of outdoor photography. If you're a seasoned photographer, you'll get strong additions to your portfolio. Develop your photography skills in a unique landscape while you study photography abroad.

Learn about the Australian outback and more – What better way to learn about the Australian outback, and Australia’s history and culture, than a hands-on experiential course?

Show your work in a local gallery – Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback ends with a student art exhibit at a local gallery.

Highlights

If you've always wanted to spend your summer studying abroad in Australia, check out our Summer Photography in Australia - Edge of the Outback program. Here are just a few of the key highlights that make this program unique:

Beginner to advanced photographers welcome

Gain valuable photography skills in just 3 weeks

Perfect for photography novices and experts alike

Study photography abroad off the beaten track in regional Australia

See a part of Australia unknown to both foreigners and many Australians

Excursions

On the travel portion of this program, you will see a World Heritage area containing evidence of 50,000 years of Aboriginal occupation, the Murray-Darling River system (among the world’s largest), and the Mutawinji and Kinchega national parks. Not to mention the historic mining town of Broken Hill and the iconic Mungo National Park, where the Walls of China reveal thousands of years of Aboriginal culture.

When you arrive in Australia your site director will provide you with a detailed schedule of events for your orientation. CISabroad orientation is a chance for you to explore Australia, meet your on-site staff and fellow CISabroad Australia students. It's a a great start to your semester and a quick way to integrate into the culture!

Academics

Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback is a 3-week travel program covering a variety of topics, including concepts in photography, black and white printing with alternate photographic practices, as well as discussion of SLR camera operation and maintenance. No previous photography experience is required.

All photographic equipment will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you’d like. Workshops and excursions will be the platform for exploring imagery based on the region's ancient landscape and the sociological layering created by pre- and post-colonial influences.

A local Aboriginal guide from the Barkindji Nation will join you on the excursions to assist in the interpretation of indigenous culture. At the end of the program you will have the opportunity to exhibit your work in a local gallery.

GPA Required: 2.5. If you find your GPA is lower than the requirement, do not despair! Use the "Contact An Advisor" button on this page or call us to let us know your situation. We'll do all we can to find the right program for you.

How to choose your coursesThe course for this program is Visual Arts Media Workshop A - VPA1MWA. For a detailed course description, please click here.

Course load: 1 course (3–4 US credits)

Course description and catalogThe program introduction includes concepts in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices, and keeping a journal. Discussions include SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed, and tripods. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with professional photographers as well as ample time in the darkroom and computer labs. Your excursion consists of a 5-day field trip to Broken Hill, with walks through Mungo National Park and other local environments as well as time within indigenous communities.

Location

Location is arguably the most exciting part about this program! During the campus-based portion of this course, you will be staying in Mildura. Located in northwestern Victoria, Mildura is renowned for its Mediterranean climate. It is the center for the vast agricultural and horticultural region that encompasses parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is the producer of 80% of Australia’s grapes which are used for a large portion of the country’s wine production. Mildura is also home to a strong arts community and frequently hosts arts and cultural events including the Mildura International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air ballooning is ideal in the still climate that the region provides.

On the travel portion of this program, you will see a World Heritage area containing evidence of 50,000 years of Aboriginal occupation, the Murray-Darling River system (among the world’s largest). This area receives very little direct rainfall and is by far Australia’s most significant agricultural area. Next stop is the Mutawintji and Kinchega national parks, which are both home to Aboriginal rock art and engravings, native wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes – perfect for your new photography skills! Not to mention the historic mining town of Broken Hill and the iconic Mungo National Park, where the Walls of China reveal thousands of years of Aboriginal culture.

The University

Our Summer Photography in Australia program is located at La Trobe University. Founded in 1964, La Trobe is AACSB-accredited and accredited by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations of Australia, and a member of IRUA (Innovative Research Universities of Australia). La Trobe is recognized as Australia’s best university for research in Microbiology and equally ranked in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Veterinary Science (Excellence in Research for Australia 2012). Its main campus is situated in one of the world's most liveable cities, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback takes place at La Trobe University, one of the most active and productive research universities in Australia, with 26 specialized research centers or institutes. The University has an international reputation for academic excellence and innovation and was ranked by the UK Times as one of the best 150 universities in the world.

The main campus is in Bundoora, about 8 miles from central Melbourne. Situated on 500 acres of bushland, it is home to countless species of wild birds and other fauna and flora. La Trobe also has 3 regional campuses: Albury/Wodonga, Bendigo, and Mildura. This course is on the Mildura campus. The Mildura campus embodies the idea of a regional environment with modern facilities. While it’s compact, you’ll still find plenty of open spaces for studying, practicing your photography, or hanging out with new friends.

Housing

On Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback, you’ll enjoy great housing in both local hostels and hotels.

While in Mildura you’ll stay at Backpackers, a local dormitory-style hostel. Once you head into the outback, one night will be spent at Mario’s Palace Hotel in Broken Hill (featured in the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), 3 nights at Shearers Quarter Accommodation at Mutawintji (dormitory style), and the last night at the Shearers Quarter Accommodation at Mungo National Park (dormitory style). All housing is modest, but comfortable and clean.

During the field trip (5–6 days), food is provided only when there’s no access to stores. Where there are local supermarkets, you will be responsible for picking up and paying for your food.

In-Country Support

CISabroad’s Site Director in Australia:

Queensland Area Site Director/Country Director

Jackie was born on the Central Coast, NSW (on the coast half way between Newcastle and Sydney) and now lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Jackie holds a Masters in Communication (Corporate Communication) from Bond University, QLD and a Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism) from Newcastle University, NSW. Jackie has a passion for travel and education having worked, lived and studied overseas.

As an undergraduate student Jackie studied abroad at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, upon her return from the US, Jackie kicked off her career in international education working in student support and admissions at the International Office at University of Newcastle. Later relocating to Denver, CO for two years she lived and worked in the international education sector, enjoying weekends snowboarding and hiking in the Rockies – simply incomparable to the ‘mountains’ in Australia! Upon returning home she took on a support role for US students studying in Australia and New Zealand before moving into various marketing and management roles focused primarily on project management, business analysis, large scale events and strategic planning.

Interests: Yoga, jogging, the beach, hiking, family adventures, thinking she can still snowboard and of course – travel.

Jackie will welcome you to Australia and will be available to students for activities, emergencies, issues or simply to discuss any concerns around your program. You will be introduced to her prior to the start of your program – so you will know who you are meeting when you land down under!

FAQs

1. What is the cost of program tuition? What is included in the program fees?

The program cost for Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback can be found on the Price and Dates page.

2. When are the program fees due?

The application process can be broken into easy steps!

The first step is to fill out the online application, which includes your contact information, what program you are applying for, etc. (Only takes five minutes!)

After filling out the online application, an advisor from our Global Advising Center will grant you portal access with a set of preliminary forms.

The next step is to pay the $200 application deposit in order to secure your space in the program. This amount will be applied toward the final cost.

Within a day after submitting your deposit, you will receive a welcome email from your Program Coordinator—the person you will work with until departure. Your Program Coordinator will then give you program specific items in your portal. (Note: Both preliminary portal pieces and program specific tasks must be completed by the application deadline.)

#CISabroadTip: Contact your school’s registrar and have them send us your transcript early on in the application process (you can send us your transcript even before you’ve made the $200 deposit!) since snail mail makes this the slowest piece to submit. (We do also accept electronic OFFICIAL transcripts if your school provides them.)

For detailed instructions, see application instructions. The application deadline for Summer Photography in Australia - Edge of the Outback can be found here.

4. Do I need a passport or visa? When should I apply for my passport/visa?

For Summer in Australia, you WILL NEED A PASSPORT. Your passport must be valid for 6 months BEYOND the date you return to the United States. For detailed passport instructions, U.S. citizens should check the State Department's Travel Site. For Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback, you WILL need a Visa. You will receive specific visa instructions once you have been accepted to the program.

5. Is there a GPA requirement?

Yes! For Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback, the GPA requirement is 2.5. If you find your GPA is lower than the requirement, do not despair! Use the "Contact a CISabroad Advisor" button on this page or call us at 1-877-617-9090 to let us know your situation. We'll do all we can to find the right program for you.

6. What are my housing options?

For Summer Photography in Australia—Edge of the Outback, you’ll enjoy great housing in both local hostels and hotels.

7. Will other students participate in the program with me? How many?

CISabroad programs are not only a great way to meet local and international students, but also students from around the United States. Program size varies each year - if enrollment size is important to you, contact a CISabroad advisor at 1-877-617-9090.

8. How many credits are offered in the program?

You will take 1 course (3–4 U.S. credits). The program introduction includes concepts in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices, and keeping a journal. Discussions include SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed, and tripods. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with professional photographers as well as ample time in the darkroom and computer labs. Your excursion consists of a 5-day field trip to Broken Hill with walks through Mungo National Park and other local environments as well as time within indigenous communities.

9. Can I combine this program with another CISabroad program like intern, summer, or semester abroad?

Yes! A great way to extend your CISabroad experience is participating in another program. Combine semester programs to create a full academic year or if an academic year is just a little too long and a semester is too short, combine a semester and summer session or a semester and a January term program. You can also participate in a semester abroad and combine that with a summer intern abroad. To find out more information on the application process for more than one CISabroad program, contact a CISabroad advisor at 1-877-617-9090.